Cinderella Man (2005) - IMDb IMDb There was an error trying to load your rating for this title. Some parts of this page won't work property. Please reload or try later. X Beta I'm Watching This! Keep track of everything you watch; tell your friends. Error The story of James Braddock, a supposedly washed-up boxer who came back to become a champion and an inspiration in the 1930s. Director: From $2.99 (SD) on Amazon Video ON TV a list of 25 titles created 28 Dec 2010 a list of 35 titles created 30 Sep 2011 a list of 22 titles created 21 Jan 2013 a list of 43 titles created 31 Jan 2013 a list of 37 titles created 16 Mar 2013 Search for " Cinderella Man " on Amazon.com Connect with IMDb Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 16 wins & 40 nominations.

See more awards » Videos Edit Storyline During the Great Depression, a common-man hero, James J. Braddock--a.k.a. the Cinderella Man--was to become one of the most surprising sports legends in history. By the early 1930s, the impoverished ex-prizefighter was seemingly as broken-down, beaten-up and out-of-luck as much of the rest of the American populace who had hit rock bottom. His career appeared to be finished, he was unable to pay the bills, the only thing that mattered to him--his family--was in danger, and he was even forced to go on Public Relief. But deep inside, Jim Braddock never relinquished his determination. Driven by love, honor and an incredible dose of grit, he willed an impossible dream to come true. In a last-chance bid to help his family, Braddock returned to the ring. No one thought he had a shot. However Braddock, fueled by something beyond mere competition, kept winning. Suddenly, the ordinary working man became the mythic athlete. Carrying the hopes and dreams of the disenfranchised on his shoulders, ... Written by Sujit R.

Varma When America was on its knees, he brought us to our feet. See more » Genres: Rated PG-13 for intense boxing violence and some language | See all certifications » Parents Guide: 3 June 2005 (USA) See more » Also Known As: $18,320,205 (USA) (3 June 2005) Gross: Did You Know? Trivia In reality after Max Baer had killed Frankie Campbell in the ring, he stayed by his side for 30 minutes, waiting for the ambulance to arrive, and spent time with him and his family at the hospital, telling Frankie's wife how sorry he was. The next day he was pronounced dead, after hearing this Max Baer broke down in tears. See more » Goofs In a shot of Joe Gould sitting in his car, you can clearly see the leaves of a palm tree reflected in the automobile's window. This scene takes place in the New York/New Jersey area, where there are no palm trees.

See more » Quotes See more » Crazy Credits Before the title appears the following: "In all the history of the boxing game, you'll find no human interest story to compare with the life narrative of James J. Braddock." - Damon Runyon (1936) See more » Connections James J. Braddock: Gladiator of the Great Depression 3 June 2005 | by lavatch (Twin Cities, Minnesota) – See all my reviews "Cinderella Man" deserves to be placed alongside other great biographical films dealing with the lives and times of great boxers. Such films include "Raging Bull," "The Joe Louis Story," "Ali," "The Hurricane," and "Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story." These films share in common not just a documentary-like approach to boxing or a superficial biopic. They also portray the human side of a modern gladiator and the culture that produced him. In the case of "Cinderella Man," we are given a detailed and heart-rending portrait of the Great Depression in American. The story of the gentleman pugilist James J. Braddock is the backdrop to the larger drama of Americans' struggle in the 1930s.

Russell Crowe provides a brilliant interpretation of Braddock, capturing the decency of a man whose career as a boxer would appear to have peaked at just the wrong time prior to the Crash of 1929. After that momentous event, Braddock's boxing went into decline just like the lives of millions of Americans. The scenes of Braddock and his family living in squalid conditions and with uncertainty about such basics as heat and electricity were carefully developed in the film. Renée Zellweger was outstanding as Mae, the caring but feisty wife of Braddock. Paul Giamatti was also excellent as Braddock's handler-manager, Joe Gould. Joe tries to keep up appearances by sporting fancy clothes. But in one revealing scene in the film when we see the interior of Joe's ostensibly swanky apartment, there is no fancy furniture other than a dowdy table and some flimsy deck chairs. Everyone is reeling from the Depression. In the depiction of the massive unemployment, the "Hoovervilles" of the homeless residing in Central Park, and the desperate need for Americans for an optimistic icon like Braddock to raise their spirits, the film truly captured the tragedy of the Great American Depression.

The film's director Ron Howard emphasized close-ups throughout the film with uneven results. In many of the boxing sequences, the close-ups and rapid editing made it difficult tell the fighters apart. The close-ups continued even into the domestic scenes and the outdoor sequences depicting Braddock working as a longshoreman. The film's dark cinematography conveyed the bleakness of the Depression years, but it worked against bringing out the buoyant spirit of Braddock himself and the optimism that he instilled in others. As a director, Howard's strength is not in film artistry or technique. As apparent in this and other films, his gift lies in narrative storytelling and the development of dramatic character. Indeed, the characters and the story were the strong points of "Cinderella Man." Much credit should go to Cliff Hollingsworth for a screenplay that included thoughtful dialogue, humor, and multi-dimensional characters. Daniel Orlandi also merits praise for the brilliant costumes that helped to recreate the period of the early 1930s. But the heart of this film experience is Russell Crowe's screen portrayal of Braddock. It was the colorful sportswriter and raconteur Damon Runyan who coined the nickname of "Cinderella Man" for Braddock.

However, the real James J. Braddock was more than lucky. It was his strength of character in and out of the ring that captivated America. One of the most moving scenes of the film was a heated argument between Braddock and his wife Mae where Braddock insists that even in the most difficult of times, he would refuse to be separated from his children. As a boxer, he was fearless. But he demonstrated even more courage in fighting for family valuesa lesson from which we can learn a great deal today in reflecting on this sensitive film. 118 of 148 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes Cinderella Man - The Boxer - YouTube Cinderella Man - The Boxer Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Uploaded on Nov 17, 2007 OMG, a video that isn't anime.

o.o Ok, so this is one of my favorite movies, about Jimmy Braddock, and ever since I saw it I wanted to make a video to this song. I finally got footage, so here it is! Enjoy! Song: The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel Footage: Cinderella Man I do not own The Boxer or Cinderella Man. They belong to their respected owners and this video is strictly fan made. I am not making any profit from it and made it for the entertainment of myself and other fans of the song and/or movie. Category Cinderella Man | film by Howard [2005] | Britannica.com film by Howard [2005] THIS IS A DIRECTORY PAGE. Britannica does not currently have an article on this topic. Learn about this topic in these articles: in Ron Howard ...and his struggle with schizophrenia. The critically acclaimed film earned Howard an Academy Award for best director and was named best picture. Howard’s subsequent films include Cinderella Man (2005), which was based on the Depression-era boxer James Braddock (Russell Crowe), and The Da Vinci Code (2006), a film adaptation of Dan Brown’s...

in Russell Crowe ...as Captain Jack Aubrey in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003), a seafaring epic based on the fiction series by Patrick O’Brian. In Cinderella Man (2005) he played real-life boxer James J. Braddock, who staged a timely comeback to help his family out of financial hardship during the Great Depression. After portraying an... View All Critic Reviews (209) Audience Reviews for Cinderella Man Cinderella Man is yet another terrific Ron Howard film. Based on the life of James Braddock. The cast that Howard directs is incredible. Russell Crow deliver a great performance as struggling boxer James Braddock. Ron Howard has an eye for real life stories, and he definitely knows how to deliver a strong, powerful real life story on camera. Howard has got a great cast here, and they deliver strong performances. Renee Zellwegger delivers the second best performance of her career, and I think this film shows that she actually is able to act, and that she should pick more parts like this. This is a terrific film with a wonderful story.

For me, it's hard to pick a favorite Ron Howard, almost all his films are great, with few that are awful. Cinderella Man is one of the best boxing movies since Raging Bull and is yet another solid work by director Ron Howard. The film has lots going for it, the film not only plays out as a terrific boxing drama, but the film evokes the troubles and the misery of the Great Depression very well. The story is engaging and the film is superbly directed. Cinderella Man is a well constructed, executed drama film and is one of Ron Howard's best films. If you enjoy boxing drama films, then you should check out Cinderella Man. A wonderful, well acted film that is a must see. Cinderella Man is one of the best boxing films that you can see. Alex roy Super Reviewer When America was on its knees, he brought us to our feet. Saw it again! Perfect movie, no flaws whatsoever. Undoubtedly one or the best sports and boxing movies of all time. To me Russel Crowe on his best performance ever as an actor. Renee Zellweger and Paul Giamatti did a fantastic job too.

The story is like no other, deeply touching and emotional. It touches you in ways only a movie can. Indeed, the characters and the story were the strong points of "Cinderella Man." Much credit should go to Cliff Hollingsworth for a screenplay that included thoughtful dialogue, humor, and multi-dimensional characters. Daniel Orlandi also merits praise for the brilliant costumes that helped to recreate the period of the early 1930s. But the heart of this film experience is Russell Crowe's screen portrayal of Braddock. It was the colorful sportswriter and raconteur Damon Runyan who coined the nickname of "Cinderella Man" for Braddock. However, the real James J. Braddock was more than lucky. It was his strength of character in and out of the ring that captivated America. One of the most moving scenes of the film was a heated argument between Braddock and his wife Mae where Braddock insists that even in the most difficult of times, he would refuse to be separated from his children. As a boxer, he was fearless. But he demonstrated even more courage in fighting for family values a lesson from which we can learn a great deal today in reflecting on this sensitive film.

The story takes place in New York and New Jersey during the Great Depression, a time when people experienced the worst economic hardship in U.S. history. James J. Braddock (Russell Crowe) was a light heavyweight boxer, who was forced to retired from the ring after breaking his hand in his last fight. His wife Mae (Renee Zellweger) had prayed for years that he would quit boxing, before becoming permanently injured. To support his family, Braddock works as a laborer at the docks, but he still has a dream to box. Several years after his last fight, Braddock's old manager wants him to be a last-minute substitute to fight against the second-ranked world contender. In this case, Braddock is one of those hungry fighters who astonishes everyone by winning the fight. Braddock is back in the ring and begins to win all his fights against younger, stronger, and heavier boxers. In a sports article, Braddock is named the "Cinderella Man" for his miraculous comeback. Braddock gets a chance to fight the heavyweight champion, Max Baer (Craig Bierko), for the title. Max Baer had killed two men in the ring, and everybody believed Braddock would be number three.

As the underdog, Braddock became the champion of the downtrodden masses. Manu Gino Super Reviewer At first sight, Ron Howard's 'Cinderella Man' may seem like a better movie than it actually is. Not until after the credits role do you realize that you completely fell for Howards' techniques of dressing up the script and putting on a show. What Cinderella Man lacks in originality is made up for in pure entertainment. Russell Crowe drags a certain amount of depth into the character to make him a reliable protagonist, although a little uninteresting. An evocative story with good performances and great entertainment value. A strong contender in the challenging competition of boxing films. Kase Vollebregt Movie Review - Cinderella Man - Moving - ShaolinTiger - Kung-Fu Geekery Movie Review – Cinderella Man – Moving Posted December 27, 2007 at 2:09 pm in Movies In the North American Great Depression, the former successful boxer James Braddock loses all his possessions and savings with the crash of the stock market. His beloved wife Mae Braddock and their three children survive to starvation and lack of heating and the daily difficulties supported by their love.

In 1934, when Jim’s couch and manager Joe Gould offers to him a chance to return to boxing, he becomes the symbol of hope of hopeless people in a ruined nation. A bit of an old movie I know – but I just got around to watching it. Haven’t been catching up with many movies yet – quite a few still to watch. This movie had a flurry of awards (Nominated for 3 Oscars. Another 12 wins & 22 nominations) and rates a very good 8.0/10 on IMDB . It’s a biographical story of James J. Braddock a real life boxer who was facing tough times during the Great Depression . Russell Crowe plays Braddock and he plays him very well, but I knew he was a very strong and versatile actor ever since I saw A Beautiful Mind . The story starts out a bit slowly, but it really draws you in and once it gets going it doesn’t let you go! Mrs Mae Braddock is played well by RenÃ©e Zellweger and there is a very strong supporting cast, the fights are realistic and bone crunching and the tale of the depression and the hardships is very well told.

There are interesting side characters and in general it’s a very compelling story. In some ways the rise and fall story reminds me of Rocky, but then that’s pure fiction and this is mostly based on fact. If you haven’t seen it I suggest you do! I give it a well worth watching 8/10. Cinderella Man Reviews & Ratings - IMDb IMDb 130 out of 205 people found the following review useful: Excellent and truly inspiring movie to believe in one's self from United States 11 May 2005 We went to this movie today at Albuquerque, New Mexico. My first impression upon looking at the title was "sounds kinda girly movie". I have no idea who Jim Braddock is until I saw this movie. Its truly inspiring and amazing. All actors excelled in their action. Its gripping all the way till the end. I don't want to tell the story and spoil the spirit. It was never boring the entire movie. Russell Crowe once again lived up to the expectations and did a very good job. Renee Zellweger played the role of a very supportive wife.

Its about never giving up, fulfilling for your promises, staying together what may come, to fight back etc., Watch it and you won't regret I promise. Was the above review useful to you? 87 out of 129 people found the following review useful: Excellent fiction treatment of historical boxer "Humbling Bull" from Texas, USA 17 May 2005 Just saw a preview of this film (opens June 3) and as shamelessly emotional as it is, I liked it very much. It provides a more visceral view of the Great Depression era than did another fine film, Seabiscuit. Call it Seabiscuit with even more heart! Ron Howard teams with Russell Crowe (James J. Braddock) again and shows they can repeat with a winner. Like him as a person or not, Crowe puts forth another finely tuned, very convincing performance. Unlike in real life, he can be quite humble and sympathetic while beating the heck out of people. Really, his character is affecting, especially in his scenes with Braddock's children, and may be fairly reflective of the actual person of Braddock.

(The fight game at that time, or any time, was not for saints but, whatever.) Renee Zellweger, who is not my favorite except for a brilliant portrayal in Cold Mountain, plays the wife effectively and mirrors the emotions for the females in the audience. (If my observations at the showing are typical, women fans will spend time alternately heading their eyes and virtually cheering out loud for Braddock/Crowe.) There are a number of good supporting actors but Paul Giamatti strikes again! He plays the manager who supports Braddock through thick and thin and his character recalls the era better than anyone in the film. I don't know what kind of research he did for this role but his Joe Gould is the archetypal boxing manager of the time or, at least, our cinema image of one. Here's hoping he pulled some big bucks for a role for once. (You will certainly recognize Bruce McGill, as the seemingly hard-hearted fight promoter who could care less about Braddock but really doesn't want to see him get killed in the ring, from many movie and TV appearances where he is always reliable and who may be remembered from an early exposure as "D-Day" in Animal House.) Was the above review useful to you?

19 out of 22 people found the following review useful: Living and Surviving During the Great Depression from United States 2 March 2006 If the great depression of the 1930s is a mystery to you, then Cinderella Man can fix that. The story, about the ups and downs in the career of a boxer, is uplifting and entertaining. However, what makes this film more than that is its believable depiction of the great depression. The sets look similar to pictures I have seen in books I read about the depression, and the costumes are correct. But this is not just a "period piece." The behavior of everyone in the cast, and every extra, shows dedication to reproducing the gestures and attitudes I have observed in people I have personally known who lived through the depression. Take, for example, the scene at the dock where Braddock, the boxer, waits with dozens of other men for the chance to work a stevedore job for the day. "We need ten," shouts the boss. Then he points, and counts. Every eye is trying to meet his, trying to be picked. Not a gesture is out of place. This kind of verisimilitude comes only from fanatics for accuracy.

Look at drector Ron Howard and male lead Russell Crowe. Ron Howard also directed Cocoon, Willow, and -- for the Academy Award for Best Director and the Academy Award for Best Picture -- A Beautiful Mind, which also starred Crowe. He drove the set designers, the costumers, the cast, and the extras, with telling effect. Nothing is over-acted. Crowe trained for the film using the same, low-tech methods used in boxing in the 1930s. He also studied film footage of Braddock to master the real fighter's characteristic gestures. In the ring, said one of Crowe's trainers, he successfully duplicated Braddock's moves, his footwork, and his style. The boxing drives the story along. It is bloody, fierce boxing. Some people may find the fight scenes objectionably violent. Crowe broke his hand in training. Real fighters played most of his opponents. Sometimes they forgot they were supposed to fake punches, leading to the spilling of real blood, which was left in the final version. Crowe also landed a few real punches by mistake. The boxing, however, is overshadowed by life during the depression. Millions were out of work.

Milk was delivered in bottles, by a milk man. People left their empty milk bottles out at night so the milk man could collect them early the next morning, and replace them with full bottles. When the dairy could no longer extend a family's credit, the empty bottles were still there in the morning with a note of apology stuck in the mouth of one of them. During the depression, there was no unemployment insurance, no Medicaid, and no Social Security. There was the dole, but it was new, humiliating, and under funded. You cold not get enough to keep your family fed and clothed. Braddock is shown waiting for and getting his dole, another moving scene in which everyone is stoically in character. The film also accurately depicts the huge gap that opened between the masses of the poor, and the few, fabulously wealthy. This is a very entertaining film. However, if you are just beginning to study the great depression, it can be a a great head start. Was the above review useful to you?

17 out of 21 people found the following review useful: 'Seabiscuit' In Human Form from United States 14 January 2006 Wow, this was an involving story and the best boxing movie I think I've ever seen, and I've seen most of them. It's an old-fashioned underdog rags-to-riches sports story about a very likable hero, heavyweight boxer James J. Braddock, played fantastically by Russell Crowe. This is another "Seabiscuit," meaning a true-life tale of longshot going up against extraordinary odds. More than the boxing, however, this is a great family story of a devoted husband and father and a loving, supporting wife and mother. That's the crux of this biography, more than the boxing angle. Nothing but the highest of morals and ethics are espoused by our hero here, who would starve himself rather see his children miss a meal, while teaching his kids honesty and unselfishness and doing whatever it took to take care of his family. Renee Zellweger also shines as Braddock's wife. After a string of some sleazy roles, it's nice to see Zellweger play this type of character.

The two make an inspiring couple which is refreshing to see in this age of cynical film-making. This is another reason why I label this an old-fashioned story. The primary subject's strengths, not flaws, are emphasized. Is it exaggerated? Probably, but I have no complaints seeing a good guy look better instead of worse. One gets tired of the modern-day age of the "anti-hero." It's nice once again to see a good man propped up instead of shot down. The third major character in the film is "Joe Gould" (Paul Giamatti), Braddock's trainer and loyal friend. Unfortunately, he spits out the Lord's name in vain so many times I lost count, the only objectionable aspect of this film. But Gould was the kind of friend every guy would want. Craig Bierko gets fourth billing as Max Baer, the reigning heavyweight champ whom Braddock has to beat to get the title. Now here is where I would not be surprised if his movie character was nothing like real life because Hollywood has to have a "bad guy" to counteract the "good guy" so here it is Baer, the last obstacle in the way of Braddock's quest to be heavyweight champion.

Whatever the real Baer was like I don''t know but I know Bierko does a great job in this role. The boxing scenes, supervised by real-life Hall Of Fame trainer Angelo Dundee, are lifelike and well-done. Crowe did a wonderful job of imitating Braddock's ring style. The story isn't the only thing that is entertaining. Visually, this is a wonderful treat for your eyes. It's simply beautiful and director Ron Howard really excelled in capturing the 1930s Depression era with some beautifully muted colors. The sets are fantastic and the clothing, cars, buildings, etc put you smack in the middle of the 1930s. There are great production values in this film and the DVD does it all justice with a fabulous transfer on widescreen DVD. Was the above review useful to you?

19 out of 27 people found the following review useful: I'm sorry, Rocky, it's time to give up the title 31 May 2005 *** This review may contain spoilers *** I was looking forward to Cindella Man for over a year, I was disappointed when it was postponed from last December, and I was thrilled to be able to make a special showing last Sunday. Generally, when I go in with high expectation (and this film was the one I was most looking forward to this year) I come out more than a little disappointed, although the films are often good, they rarely live up to my rampant anticipation. Cinderella Man, however, exceeded all my expectations. Russel Crowe, who, since Master and Commander has been my favorite actor, outdoes any of his performances to date. He has clearly lost weight, he seemingly effortlessly picked up an accent, and his attitude is flawlessly proud, browbeaten, and unendingly strong. When he first loses his license to box at the beginning of the film he conveys, without shoving anything in our face, his sense of disappointment that he cannot provide for his family.

He works furiously on the docks with a broken hand and still cannot keep his house heated. So at last, in one of the most moving moments of the film, he does what he would almost rather die than do, goes to his old friends and asks them for money. I do not want to give away too many details of the film. But I can say, it is the best in years and, although i doubt it will because of A Beautiful Mind, it should win more than a few Oscars. Was the above review useful to you? 15 out of 20 people found the following review useful: Simple crowd pleaser from United Kingdom 31 August 2005 Cinderella Man is the story of a Depression-era boxer and American hero Jim Braddock, but it contains enough love interest, family interest, and great-champion-of-the-people interest to satisfy most Saturday night out filmgoers. It's a total no-brainer, beautifully served up, and all the clichés delivered with such accurate emotional punch that you forgive it for being a tad unoriginal.

Gladiator and bar-brawl man Russell Crowe plays the lead role and Renée Zellweger puts in a good performance as the ideal and very loving wife that supports her husband through thick and thin. The story starts in 1928 when Braddock is doing quite well, but the depression hits and, with an injured hand, he is forced to work in the shipyard. He and his family live in fairly abject poverty until a lucky break enables him to make a comeback. This is the working man's hero who never says a bad word, teaches his kids never to steal for food even when they are starving, and nobly gives back his social security money the minute he can afford to. Zellwegger is similarly faultless of course, striking the right balance between supportiveness and concern that her man could get his brains knocked out permanently. The last fight generates quite a lot of genuine excitement due largely to neat editing and intense cinematography - you can almost feel your nose bleed just watching it. This is classic American-style hero creation and worship and, on the face of it, healthy enough. So why the doubts? Sure you can sit back and just enjoy it, it's the type of story the U.S.

has done well for a long time; but compare it with European cinema and it all seems very full of absolutes. The heroes don't have any failings. The choice is between total success and total failure, no half measures. Much as I admire the use of role models, I somehow wonder if more human heroes aren't sometimes called for, people who do quite well, who sincerely better themselves and others, but without becoming the most applauded individual on the continent. In watching the big picture we sometimes miss the detail that makes life real to everyone, not just the lucky few. Was the above review useful to you? 16 out of 24 people found the following review useful: Great Movie, a must see! from Los Angeles, CA, United States 24 May 2005 I just saw the movie tonight at a special advanced screening here in Newport Beach, and it is so good. I cannot tell you one single performance in the film that wasn't terrific. I can only think of a couple negatives. One being the man coughing behind me the WHOLE time. In terms of the movie, the section where the Braddocks suffer in the Depression went on pretty long, and the Braddock's kids were WAY too cute.

A little shamelessly so. As in, no three kids are that well-behaved,loving and adorable ALL THE TIME. Great points: There were a lot more funny moments than i had expected, but none were cheap laughs, all were just honest and nice little moments. The acting and directing are just incredible. Renee Zellweger, Russel Crowe, Paul Giamatti (who practically steals the show), even Craig Bierko as the boxing nemesis were so great! Oscars FOR EVERYONE! It's too bad this isn't Oscar season-- i really hope this doesn't get forgotten by the time nominations come out. Was the above review useful to you? 8 out of 10 people found the following review useful: Braddock's Story, Not Baer's 21 August 2007 *** This review may contain spoilers *** Though Cinderella Man got great critical notices it did not do well at the box office which is a shame for those who missed a great sports story and Russell Crowe's performance as James J. Braddock.

Between the time Gene Tunney retired in 1928 and Joe Louis ascended to boxing's heavyweight championship, there were a succession of champions who were not among the greatest, but who in and of themselves had some interesting stories. In order they were, Max Schmeling, Jack Sharkey, Primo Carnera, Max Baer and finally the working class champion James J. Braddock. Most of these guys fought each other and Joe Louis in fact on his way up the ladder fought and licked all of them except most notoriously Schmeling. Jim Braddock was a promising light heavyweight in the late twenties who got a title shot against champion Tommy Loughran and lost. As is the usual pattern of things, Braddock went gradually downhill and at the same time injured his right hand. This was the Great Depression and Braddock took work on the docks as a longshoreman to support his wife and family. Ron Howard did a fine job in recreating the era of Braddock and got a great performance out of Russell Crowe as the man. What Crowe gives you as Braddock is the real deal.

Crowe nearly won an Oscar on the strength of a very touching scene with one of his children who he caught stealing a loaf of bread. Economics were bad, but Braddock's values stood the test. I suppose it was a matter of necessity, every heroic story has to have a villain and poor Max Baer's reputation suffers as a result of it. Craig Bierko is fine as Max Baer, but he did not give you the real Max at all. Baer was a savage puncher and in fact was responsible for the death of two men in the ring. Ron Howard shows him as a man with no regrets about that. In fact Baer was deeply affected by the deaths and held his punches on many occasions because of it. Baer was however a party animal who loved a good time above all. That was his undoing in his real career and in the film. Viewers will also like Paul Giamatti as Braddock's shrewd and loyal manager Joe Gould. Giamatti's performance might seem a caricature yet boxing manager were and are very much like Joe Gould, at least the best of them.

As a personal story and a sports story Cinderella Man rates as one of the best films so far in this new millenia of our's. I wouldn't miss it when it's broadcast. Too bad that so many folks did miss it on the big screen. Was the above review useful to you? 9 out of 12 people found the following review useful: Cinderella man:A ray of hope for people Author: abhinavmishraa 11 August 2006 Its about the depression era in US when a veteran boxer has to fight again to feed his family. He had seen good days but depression took everything.He fights again to win matches and its about survival this time not entertainment.He got to keep standing till the end (in the ring) to buy heating n food fr his children because he had promised them that he wont be sending them away...n even when he is famous n reporters crowd around him asking how he felt he was humble enough to reply 'i was doing it to buy milk'....its a real story n a touching one. Its names so because he was called Cinderella man as he was a ray of hope fr all the others struggling through the depressions to try n make ends meet...

Was the above review useful to you? 14 out of 22 people found the following review useful: "Cinderella Man" is captivating and completely believable! 25 May 2005 *** This review may contain spoilers *** "Cinderella Man"  WOW! "Cinderella Man" cast  WOW! "Cinderella Man" script  WOW! WOW, WOW, WOW  what a movie! The new film "Cinderella Man" is the true story of boxer James J. (Jim) Braddock. This film is stunning and exciting from beginning to end. In my opinion, it's the best movie so far in 2005, and it may well be the second boxing movie in two years to win the Academy's nod for Best Picture. How can I say this? Well, Russell Crowe as Braddock has never been better. Incredible! Director Ron Howard also gets terrific performances from Renée Zellweger as Braddock's wife, Mae, and from talented actor Paul Giamatti as Joe Gould.

What a lucky hit and maybe it was more than luck that reunited Academy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer, director Ron Howard, and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman (all Oscar winners for 2001's "A Beautiful Mind") with Oscar winner Russell Crowe. What a team and what a story! The film recreates the pain of the dark days of 1930s Depression in a way that will stir you to the core. Braddock, a once-promising heavyweight boxer, struggles along with wife Mae to survive and hold their family together. Braddock's impressive run of wins has been surpassed by a string of losses that has rendered him a ring has-been, grubbing for any kind of work. Then an unlikely stroke of good fortune  a last minute cancellation  offers Braddock one more night in the ring against a second-ranked world contender. Unbelievable  except it really happened  Braddock, with no training for the fight, wins that match. Everywhere in the country, this new hero  who is one of their own  uplifts the downtrodden people living through this terrible time.

Those controlling the matches can't ignore Braddock's popularity and the potential for profit as the old man is brought back to fight young savages who will probably kill him. (Shades of "Million Dollar Baby"!) You'll be on the edge of your seat for the whole play-out. If you're a boxing fan, you probably know what happens  but I won't spoil it for you if you don't know. Either way, don't miss this dream movie a true-life fairy tale. I'm giving "Cinderella Man" an "A++" on my Entertainment Report Card. Was the above review useful to you? Page 2 of 54: Cinderella Man – Wondrlust share Cinderella Man Cinderella Man (2005) – is the inspiring life of legendary athlete Jim Braddock, a once-promising light heavyweight boxer forced into retirement after a string of losses in the ring. As America plunges into the Great Depression of 1930s, Braddock accepts a string of dead-end jobs to support his family. A last minute cancellation finds Braddock in the ring against the second-ranked world contender–and to everyone’s amazement, Braddock wins in the third round.

Despite being pounds lighter than his opponents and repeated injuries to his hands, Braddock continues to fight against challengers and win. The movie is an excellent illustration of hopes and dreams of the disenfranchised masses which dubs Braddock as “Cinderella Man.” To see all the films Awards click here If you dont know your Character Strengths why not take the VIA Strength Test – click here Film Review To read the original review from Roger Ebert – the first film critic to win the Pulitzer Prize – click here There is a moment early in “Cinderella Man” when we see Russell Crowe in the boxing ring, filled with cocky self-confidence, and I thought I knew what direction the story would take. I could not have been more mistaken. I walked in knowing nothing about Jim Braddock, “The Bulldog of Bergen,” whose riches-to-rags-to-riches career inspired the movie. My friend Bill Nack of Sports Illustrated, who just won the A.J. Liebling Award, the highest honour a boxing writer can attain, could have told me all about Braddock, but I am just as happy to have gone in cold, so that I could be astonished by Crowe’s performance.

I think of Crowe as a tough customer, known to get in the occasional brawl. Yes, he plays men who are inward and complex, as in “The Insider” and “A Beautiful Mind,” or men who are tempered and wise, as in “Master and Commander.” But neither he nor anyone else in a long time has played such a nice man as the boxer Jim Braddock. You’d have to go back to actors like James Stewart and Spencer Tracy to find such goodness and gentleness. Tom Hanks could handle the assignment, but do you see any one of them as a prizefighter? Tracy, maybe. As the film opens, Braddock is riding high with a series of victories that buy a comfortable, but not opulent, lifestyle for his wife Mae (Renee Zellweger) and their children Jay, Rosemarie and Howard. Also doing OK is Braddock’s loyal manager Joe Gould (Paul Giamatti, in a third home run after “American Splendor” and “Sideways”). Then Braddock breaks his right hand, loses some matches so badly his license is taken away, and descends with his family to grim poverty in the early days of the Depression.

What is remarkable during both the highs and the lows is that Braddock, as Crowe plays him, remains level-headed, sweet-tempered and concerned about his family above all. Perhaps it takes a tough guy like Crowe to make Braddock’s goodness believable. Mae is just the wife he deserves, filled with love and loyalty, and so terrified he will be hurt that she refuses to attend his fights and won’t even listen on the radio. Their poverty takes them from a nice family house to a cramped little apartment where there is no heat and hardly anything to eat. Braddock gets a job on the docks in Hoboken, slinging sacks of grain and coal, using his left arm because of his injured right hand, and although that job is a low point, it is also the secret to the left hook that will eventually get him named “Cinderella Man” by Damon Runyon. The movie teams Crowe once again with director Ron Howard; they made “A Beautiful Mind” together, and the screenwriter of that film, Akiva Goldsman, co-wrote this one with Cliff Hollingsworth.

They find human ways to mirror the descent into despair; the Braddock family’s poverty, for example, seems to weigh most heavily on the oldest son, Jay (Connor Price), who fears above all being sent away to live with “rich” relatives — rich here meaning those with something to eat. He steals a sausage from a butcher shop, is caught, and then, in a scene typical of Braddock’s gentle wisdom, is not punished by his father, but talked to, softly and earnestly, because his father instinctively knows why his son stole the sausage, and that the kid’s daring was almost noble. Up to this point, there would not be a comeback, and no occasion for Damon Runyon nicknames. Braddock gets one more chance at a fight, as Gould edges him past the doubts of promoter Jimmy Johnston (Bruce McGill). Without much time to train, he takes on a leading contender, and to everyone’s amazement, wins the fight. One victory leads to another, and finally Gould is able to broker a title fight with the heavyweight champion Max Baer (Craig Bierko), who has killed two of his opponents and seems likely to kill the outweighed and outclassed Braddock. What happens in the fight you will see.

Ron Howard, Russell Crowe, Craig Bierko, the cinematographer Salvatore Totino and the editors Daniel P. Hanley and Mike Hill step into a ring already populated by the ghosts of countless movie fights, most memorably those in “Raging Bull,” “Million Dollar Baby” and the “Rocky” movies. They don’t try to outfight those movies, but to outmaneuver them emotionally. The closest connection is with “Million Dollar Baby,” also a film about a fighter whose deepest motivation is the fear of poverty (at a press conference, Braddock says he fights in order to be able to buy milk for his family). The visual strategy of the big fight is direct and brutal, but depends not so much on the technical depiction of boxing as on the development of the emotional duel going on in the ring. When an underdog fights from “heart” after his strength and skill are not enough, the result is almost always unconvincing — but not always. “Cinderella Man” is a terrific boxing picture, but there’s no great need for another one. The need it fills is for a full-length portrait of a good man.

Most serious movies live in a world of cynicism and irony, and most good-hearted movie characters live in bad movies. Here is a movie where a good man prevails in a world where every day is an invitation to despair, where resentment would seem fully justified, where doing the right thing seems almost gratuitous, because nobody is looking and nobody cares. Jim Braddock is almost transparent in the simple goodness of his character; that must have made him almost impossible to play. Russell Crowe makes him fascinating, and it takes a moment or two of thought to appreciate how difficult that must have been. Other Films you Might Like The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (2007) - The film tells the remarkable tale of Jean-Dominique Bauby, a French editor, who suffered a stroke and was paralyzed by the inexplicable “locked in” syndrome when he was 43. Bauby’s only way of communicating with the outside world was by blinking with one eye, and after several dedicated helpers, he was able to speak through his seemingly irrelevant gestures and began to produce word. The movie depicts strengths of hopefulness and optimism despite significant challenges.

Gone with the Wind (1939) – Scarlett O’Hara is living during the tumultuous years of the Civil War in a society torn by every sort of strife. In addition, she must contend with the trials of unrequited love and romantic frustration.In spite of all these obstacles, Scarlett maintains her sense of hope and continues to strive toward a better future for herself. Life is Beautiful (1998-Italian) – Guido is a charming Jewish man living in Italy during the rise of Fascism. His natural qualities allow him to put together a beautiful family, but soon he and his loved ones are shipped to a concentration camp and put into mortal danger. Guido never loses his cleverness, humor, or hope, protecting his young son from the horrors of the Holocaust by pretending that the whole affair is a game. The movie’s title sums up Guido’s approach to life. Good Will Hunting (1997) – Will Hunting works as a janitor at MIT while recovering his life from a difficult past. His natural ability with math leads to his discovery by an award-winning professor, but also leads to conflict between different groups of friends and associates.

Will’s hope that he can improve his future allows him to face his obstacles with strength and resolve. Field of Dreams (1989)- This is gentle touching movie, filled with baseball but indeed, it is not about baseball instead it is about a man (Kevin Costner) realizing his dreams and learning that sometimes you have to take a chance in life. The film depicts hope and optimism amidst highly improbable seemingly unrealistic odds. Cinderella Man - movie: watch streaming online as Lucille Gould Synopsis The true story of boxer, Jim Braddock who, in the 1920’s after his retirement, has a surprise comeback in order to get him and his family out of a socially poor state. Videos: Trailers, Teasers, Featurettes Cinderella Man - watch online: streaming, buy or rent Currently you are able to watch "Cinderella Man" streaming on Showtime. It is also possible to buy "Cinderella Man" on Apple iTunes, Vudu, Google Play Movies, PlayStation, Microsoft Store, Fandango Now as download or rent it on Apple iTunes, Vudu, Google Play Movies, PlayStation, Microsoft Store, Fandango Now online.

Cinderella Man - Official® Trailer [HD] - YouTube Cinderella Man - Official® Trailer [HD] Want to watch this again later? Sign in to add this video to a playlist. Need to report the video? Sign in to report inappropriate content. The interactive transcript could not be loaded. Loading... Rating is available when the video has been rented. This feature is not available right now. Please try again later. Published on Jun 20, 2013 Release Date: June 3, 2005 Russell Crowe stars in the story inspired by the life of legendary athlete Jim Braddock, a once- promising light heavyweight boxer forced into retirement after a string of losses in the ring. As the nation enters the darkest years of the Great Depression, Braddock accepts a string of dead-end jobs to support his wife, Mae (Renιe Zellweger), and their children, while never totally abandoning his dream of boxing again. Thanks to a last minute cancellation, Braddock finds himself back in the ring against the second-ranked world contender--and to everyone's amazement, Braddock wins in the third round.

Despite being pounds lighter than his opponents and repeated injuries to his hands, Braddock continues to fight against challengers and win. Carrying on his shoulders the hopes and dreams of the disenfranchised masses, Braddock, dubbed the "Cinderella Man," faces his toughest challenger in Max Baer (Craig Bierko), the heavyweight champion of the world, renowned for having killed two men in the ring. Braddock--not so much a great boxer as a great man who boxed--climbed into the ring seeking nothing more than to provide for his wife and children. His commitment to them inspired him to championship, elevating the family man with a simple cause to the level of legend. Cast: Russell Crowe, Renee Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, Craig Bierko, Bruce McGill, Paddy Considine Studio: Universal Pictures

Question: The 2007 film 'Cinderella Man' is a biopic of which boxer?
Answer: JAMES J BRADDOCK